RCMP say girl's death in Alberta lake could be criminal

The RCMP logo is seen on the shoulder of a superintendent on June 24, 2023 in St. John's, Nfld. Mounties say they're treating the death of a five-year-old girl pulled from an Alberta lake as a criminal matter after it was discovered the canoe she was in didn't capsize, as had previously been believed. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

WABAMUN, Alta. — Mounties say they're treating the death of a five-year-old girl pulled from an Alberta lake as a criminal matter.

RCMP said Sunday that two people had been found after a canoe overturned on Wabamun Lake west of Edmonton.

They said bystanders recovered the girl from the lake and, despite life-saving efforts, paramedics declared her dead at the scene.

A 35-year-old woman was also pulled from the water by other watercraft in the area.

Mounties are now saying they've since learned the canoe didn't overturn.

They are seeking public assistance from anyone who may have witnessed the drowning or may have drone footage.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Oct. 17, 2024.

The Canadian Press

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